Bundt Cakes are Better with ARK Distillery Amber & Oak Bourbon

Meet the bourbon behind our Maple Bourbon Pecan Bundt cakes—ARK Distillery Amber & Oak Bourbon, Connecticut -crafted with intention and community at its heart.

When our new Maple Bourbon Pecan Bundt cake called for bourbon with character, purpose, and a story behind every pour, ARK Distillery Amber & Oak Bourbon stood out as an inspired choice. Crafted by a small, women‑owned distillery in Colchester, Connecticut, ARK Distillery brings together tradition, creativity, and community in a way that makes their bourbon more than just an ingredient—it becomes part of the experience.

A Bourbon Finished with Intention

ARK Distillery focuses on small‑batch spirits that are approachable on their own and just as versatile in baking as they are in cocktails. Amber & Oak Bourbon like all their spirits, is finished at the distillery, where it is carefully aged to enhance flavor and drinkability rather than overpower the senses. This finishing process is central to ARK’s philosophy: creating spirits that shine over ice, in a cocktail, or woven seamlessly into a recipe.

Rather than positioning bourbon as something reserved only for purists, ARK embraces experimentation and accessibility, inviting both seasoned whiskey drinkers and curious newcomers to explore bourbon and other spirits in new ways.

The Story Behind the Bottle

Susan Caron (left) and Alane Wilansky (right)

ARK Distillery was founded by longtime friends Alane Wilansky and Susan Caron, who turned a shared passion for flavor, hospitality, and creativity into a working distillery. Located in the heart of Colchester, CT, ARK Distillery reflects a balance of old‑world craftsmanship and modern values.

The name “ARK” stands for Acts of Random Kindness, a principle that’s woven directly into the brand. Through partnerships with local businesses and charities, ARK commits to giving back to its community each year. This mission‑driven approach isn’t a side note—it’s central to how the distillery operates and presents itself.

Why ARK Distillery Amber & Oak Bourbon Works So Well in our Bundt Cakes

From an ingredient perspective, ARK Distillery Bourbon is designed with versatility in mind:

• An approachable flavor profile that performs beautifully in baking as well as in cocktails

• A thoughtful finishing process that adds depth without masking the bourbon base

• Small‑batch production, that ensures consistency and attention to detail

• Crafted locally in Connecticut, aligning with Bundt Society’s commitment to regional sourcing

Whether featured in a limited-release seasonal Bundt cake, or our signature Bourbon Caramel, ARK Distillery Whiskey will bring both flavor and story to our bakes.

More Than a Distillery

Beyond the spirits themselves, ARK Distillery has become a local gathering place, hosting tastings, events, and creative experiences that reflect its welcoming, community‑first mindset. Sustainability also plays a role in their operations, from thoughtful material choices to responsible production practices.

In a crowded spirits landscape, ARK Distillery distinguishes itself not by scale, but by intention—pairing craftsmanship with kindness, and quality spirits with genuine community impact.

Ingredient Takeaway

We were looking for a bourbon that offered flexibility, local character, and a meaningful backstory—and ARK Distillery Amber & Oak Bourbon delivered. It elevates our Bundt cakes not only through flavor, but through values, making it a smart and soulful choice for our Maple Bourbon Pecan Bundt cake and future spirit‑infused creations.

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Thanks for stepping Behind the Batter with us, where every Bundt Society moment begins—long before the glaze sets and the Bundt is boxed